#B04TSG: Tough test in Leverkusen

Did you know that…

…Hoffenheim often fare poorly against Leverkusen?

TSG have only suffered more Bundesliga defeats to Bayern Munich (21) than they have to Bayer 04 Leverkusen (20). In addition, TSG have lost the last four meetings – their last longer losing streak against the Werkself was six matches between 2011 and 2013.

…Leverkusen are in top form?

Leverkusen are having another outstanding season with 42 points from 19 matches – only last term did they have more at this stage of the campaign (49). In addition, the Werkself have lost only one of their last 53 Bundesliga matches (3-2 to Leipzig on Matchday 2) and are unbeaten since then with 11 victories and six draws – the longest ongoing run in the league.

…Hoffenheim are becoming more consistent under Ilzer?

With four points from their last two Bundesliga matches, Hoffenheim have put together a small successful run for the first time under coach Christian Ilzer. That said, 18 points from 19 games is TSG's lowest tally at this stage of the season since 2015/16 (14 points).

…Hoffenheim are hoping for a second away victory in a row?

Hoffenheim picked up their first away victory of the season last time out by winning 3-1 in Kiel. TSG could now win two Bundesliga away games in succession for the first time since the start of the 2023/24 season (5 wins).

…Leverkusen have been unbeatable on Sundays of late?

Leverkusen are now unbeaten in 23 Sunday Bundesliga matches (16 victories and seven draws) – in the history of the Bundesliga, only FC Bayern have a longer such run (28). In addition, the Werkself have won their last three Sunday games by at least four goals and could become the first club in the Bundesliga's history to win four Sunday matches in a row by at least a four-goal margin.

…Leverkusen are particularly strong in the first half?

Leverkusen have already scored 28 first-half goals in the Bundesliga this season – no team has been more efficient in the first 45 minutes. Hoffenheim, meanwhile, have already conceded 20 goals before the break, fewer than only Holstein Kiel (28) and Werder Bremen (22).

…Leverkusen's attacking duo are in top form?

Patrik Schick has scored 13 goals in his last nine Bundesliga matches and has averaged a goal every 49.5 minutes since November – the best strike rate in Europe's top five leagues. He has been especially effective against Hoffenheim: no opponent has given him more scorer points (five goals, three assists). Florian Wirtz has also shone as a provider, topping the Bundesliga assist charts with nine. Since 2004/05, only Schick in the 2021/22 season has surpassed his 18 goal involvements after 19 rounds (19).

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